Tag Archives: Crockfords Casino

High-rollers now have a space of their own at Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park.

Following a grand opening that drew more than 65,000 visitors, the casino at Aqueduct Racino unveiled the remaining two floors of its new facility on December 16 – showing off high-priced amenities and big payoff games.

The new features include 2,514 additional Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) and Electronic Table Games (ETG) at the Fifth Avenue Casino, bringing the grand total to 5,000 machines. The casino also gave visitors a sneak peak at two new 250-seat fine dining restaurants with private dining rooms and balconies featuring panoramic views of the racetrack.

“We are ecstatic to open our full facility to the public today, well ahead of schedule,” said Michael Speller, President of Resorts World New York. “We have received tremendous support from patrons and our community and are thrilled to offer even more options for visitors to enjoy. These new offerings make Resorts World one of the most exciting and dynamic entertainment and dining destinations for New Yorkers and travelers alike. The enthusiasm we have seen over the past six weeks, and even more so today, is indicative of the bright future for Queens and New York State that we are proud to be a partner in developing.”

With each new opening at Resorts World, the chorus of support for full scale table gaming grows louder and louder. Assemblymember Phil Goldfeder said that bringing these games to state casinos would not only stimulate the economy, but would also add much needed jobs.

“Bringing table games to the casinos in New York is a fantastic way to stimulate our economy and draw more businesses into the state,” he said. “Doing so creates opportunities for countless jobs, increased tourism and much-needed revenue.”

Any amendment to legalize table gaming in the state would have to be approved by both houses in the legislature in two separate legislative sessions, with a general election separating them. From there, the amendment would go to voters and must be approved by a majority before becoming part of the Constitution.

For now, electronic versions of these games must suffice – and Resorts World has plenty to go around. The Fifth Avenue Casino provides a more sophisticated and luxurious gaming environment for guests, with invitation-only gaming at Crockfords Casino. These two new floors are meant to lure guests, as those who hold loyalty cards from casinos in other states will receive free play when they exchange those cards for a Resorts World loyalty card between December 19 and January 31.

As for the third floor event space, Speller said that it is the largest event space in Queens and that Resorts World is currently taking reservations for use. Dubbed the Central Park Events Center, it features 70,000-square- feet of space for all manner of events.

Although casino construction was completed four months ahead of schedule, the “Skybridge” – designed to move customers from the A-train station to the casino – is still mired in the design and construction phase. That project is expected to be completed in early spring.

“This has been a very good success story so far,” said Speller. “Not only in terms of business, but also in the thousands of jobs that have been created here in Queens.”

A fully functional and totally revamped Aqueduct Racino is no longer a decades-long pipedream with little hope and less funding.

After a highly successful partial opening that saw thousands of gamers try their luck, the new casino in South Ozone Park is ready to reveal the rest of the facility on Friday, December 16 — a full four months ahead of schedule.

The additional space on the second floor will double the amount of Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) and Electronic Table Games (ETG), while also adding an upscale gaming option and two signature restaurants with views of the track below. Resorts World representatives also revealed a third floor, which will house the largest event space in Queens.

Resorts World president Michael Speller called the casino’s second floor an “alternative” for exclusive members who desire a higher level of play and service.

“The main difference is the finishes and it’s more comfortable,” said Speller, adding that Crockfords Casino, an invitation-only room on the second floor, will offer high stakes gamers a chance to gamble amid an opulent setting. “It’s a very upscale and private gaming experience.”

The upscale casino is designed to lure out-of-state gamers to Resorts World — where Speller hopes they will spend locally.

Although casino construction is moving swiftly, the same cannot be said for the “Skybridge,” which is designed to move customers from the A-train station to the casino without stepping outdoors. That development is moving at a slower pace and has been pushed back to early spring.

That doesn’t seem to be slowing down business, as Resorts World raked in more than $50 million since its opening. Speller said that since opening business has leveled off, but the customers are still coming in at a regular clip.

“This has been a very good success story so far,” he said. “Not only in terms of business, but also in the thousands of jobs that have been created here in Queens.”

Speller said that there are no plans to buy additional land for hotels, but he noted that if full scale table gaming was brought to the state Resorts World would be ready to accommodate.

“We can adjust for table games rather quickly,” he said. “We certainly support enhanced gaming in the state and we look forward to seeing that unfold next year.”